Last updated on May 26th, 2025
Roman numerals are a system of numerical notation used in ancient Rome, employing combinations of letters from the Latin alphabet. The symbols I, V, X, L, C, D, and M represent specific values. Roman numerals are still used today in various contexts such as royal titles, book chapters, and sequences. In this guide, we will explore Roman numerals, the rules for writing them, and provide examples.
In contexts like royal titles, such as Henry I, Henry II, etc., Roman numerals denote specific numbers. These symbols have their origins in the ancient Roman system, where I represents 1, V is 5, X is 10, L is 50, C is 100, D is 500, and M is 1000.
The Roman numeral for 253 is written as CCLIII, where C is 100, L is 50, and III is 3. Let’s delve deeper into Roman numerals and how we compose them.
There are fundamental rules to keep in mind when writing numbers in Roman numerals. Below, we discuss these basic rules.
Rule 1: Addition Method
When a smaller numeral follows a larger numeral, their values are added. For example, CCLIII is derived from C (100) + C (100) + L (50) + III (3) = 253.
Rule 2: Repetition Method
Some Roman numerals can be repeated up to three times to denote numbers. For example, III = 3.
Rule 3: Subtraction Method
When a smaller numeral precedes a larger numeral, the smaller value is subtracted from the larger one. For example, IV = V - I = 5 - 1 = 4.
Rule 4: Limitation Rule
Certain symbols cannot be repeated more than three times, and some symbols like V, L, and D cannot be repeated. For instance, instead of writing VVV for 15, we use XV.
There are different methods to write numbers in Roman numerals. Below are two approaches to writing 253.
In the expansion method, numbers are broken down based on place values.
Step 1: Break down the number by place value: 200 + 50 + 3.
Step 2: Convert each component into Roman numerals:
- 200 is CC (C = 100, so 100 + 100 = 200).
- 50 is L.
- 3 is III.
Step 3: Combine these numerals: CC + L + III = CCLIII.
When writing Roman numerals, we can group numbers:
- Group 253 as 200 + 50 + 3.
- 200 in Roman numerals is CC.
- 50 is L.
- 3 is III.
- Thus, 253 is written as CCLIII.
Many errors occur when writing Roman numerals. Understanding these mistakes can help avoid them.
Calculate the difference between CCLIII and CXXVII.
The difference between CCLIII and CXXVII is CXXVI.
To find the difference, subtract the two numbers:
CCLIII = 253
CXXVII = 127
253 - 127 = 126
126 in Roman Numerals is CXXVI.
A historian is cataloging DXXVI artifacts into II equal groups. Determine how many artifacts are in each group.
Each group will contain CCLIII artifacts.
Divide the total number of artifacts by the number of groups:
DXXVI = 526
II = 2
526 / 2 = 263
263 in Roman Numerals is CCLXIII.
Find the sum of CLXVIII and LXXXV.
The sum of CLXVIII and LXXXV is CCLIII.
Add the two numbers together:
CLXVIII = 168
LXXXV = 85
168 + 85 = 253
253 in Roman Numerals is CCLIII.
What is the product of XIII and XIX?
The product of XIII and XIX is CCXLVII.
Multiply the two numbers:
XIII = 13
XIX = 19
13 × 19 = 247
247 in Roman Numerals is CCXLVII.
Write the Roman Numeral for 253 using the expansion method.
The Roman Numeral for 253 is CCLIII.
The Roman Numeral for 253 is CCLIII.
Hiralee Lalitkumar Makwana has almost two years of teaching experience. She is a number ninja as she loves numbers. Her interest in numbers can be seen in the way she cracks math puzzles and hidden patterns.
: She loves to read number jokes and games.